Portable personal waste deposal unit

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a portable personal waste disposal unit. The personal waste disposal unit includes a container having a top surface with a removable cap covering an opening. The opening is oval in shape and leads to an interior of the disposal unit. The container includes a tissue and privacy sheet. The privacy sheet may be used to cover an individual using the personal waste disposal unit. The disposal unit may be sized to fit under an automobile seat. When using the disposal unit, the cap is removed from the top surface, thereby allowing the individual to deposit bodily waste through the opening into the interior. The container is strong enough to hold the weight of an individual. After use, the cap is placed over the opening. The disposal unit may then be discarded as desired by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to portable waste deposal units. Specifically,the present invention relates to a unit for storing personal bodilywaste products of a person.

2. Description of the Related Art

At some point in everyone's life, a person requires toilet facilitiesfor which none can be readily found. It is a desperate situation, whichoften ends in a very embarrassing moment for the person. With trafficcongestion becoming more common, this difficult situation is occurringeven more often. A driver, often with his children, is driving on ahighway where the traffic is so great that cars are at a standstill forhours. This traffic oftentimes makes it impossible to exit the highway.The driver and passengers are then relegated to prisoners within theircar. However, personal needs do not cease during these times. Peoplemust still perform certain bodily functions, such as urinating.

In addition, anyone having children realize that children need to userestroom facilities more often than most adults. Therefore, on longdrives, a parent is forced to stop more often than desired so that thechildren can use restroom facilities. There are also countless othersituations where restroom facilities are not readily available. Forexample, when traveling in a small boat or aircraft, there are often notany restroom facilities. In these situations, it is not often convenientto find restroom facilities. In still another situation, bedriddenpeople have difficulty using the restroom. To leave a bed and go to abathroom may require extraordinary effort for a bedridden person.

There are various types of portable toilets currently being used.However, these existing portable toilets suffer from severaldisadvantages. One such portable toilet is merely a tube leading to acontainer. A man may urinate within the container, but it is notsuitable for a woman. In addition, there is no means for covering theperson while urinating into the tube.

There are also other, larger portable toilets, which may be useful whilecamping, but are not convenient or suitable for use in an automobile.These portable toilets are usually quite large and take up preciousstorage space. In addition, these toilets are oftentimes quiteexpensive. In addition, these toilets require servicing, specificallythe cleaning and removal of any waste products.

In still another example, bedpans are used by patients confined to abed. These bedpans perform a vital function, but still require thewashing and reuse of the bedpan. The bedpans are simply too expensive todiscard after only one use. Additionally, the bedpans are particularlyheavy for bedridden patients.

A portable waste deposit unit is needed which provides privacy, isuseable by both genders, and is inexpensive. In addition, the unitshould be small enough to be stored under an automobile seat.

Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a portable personal wastedisposal unit which is inexpensive, easy to store, and useable by bothmales and females. It is an object of the present invention to providesuch an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a portable personal wastedisposal unit. The disposal unit includes a container having a topsurface. The top surface has an opening leading to an interior portionof the container. A removable cap covers the opening. When the disposalunit is needed, the cap is removed and the person's bodily waste isdeposited through the opening into the interior of the container. Thecap is then placed over the opening. The entire disposal unit may thenbe discarded at the convenience of the person.

In another aspect, the present invention is a portable personal wastedisposal unit. The disposal unit includes a container having a topsurface. The top surface has an oval shaped opening leading to aninterior portion within the container. The container is reinforced tosupport the weight of a person using the portable personal wastedisposal unit. A removable cap covers the opening. The disposal unitalso includes a privacy sheet for covering the person using the portablepersonal waste disposal unit. In addition, tissue is provided for use bythe person. When needed, the person removes the removable cap, disposesof personal bodily waste through the opening and covers the opening withthe removable cap.

In still another aspect, the present invention is a container for use indisposing of personal bodily waste. The container includes a reinforcedframe having a plurality of sides forming around an interior portion ofthe container. The frame is strong enough to support the weight of aperson sitting on the container. The container also includes a topsurface having an opening leading to the interior portion. In addition,a removable cap covers the opening. The cap is removed prior to use,bodily waste of a person are deposited in the interior portion throughthe opening, and the cap is affixed over the opening to secure thebodily waste within the interior.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable personal waste disposalunit in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the removable cap removedfrom the opening of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the top surface with the removable capcovering the opening;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the top surface with the removable capremoved; and

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the personal waste disposal unitillustrating the privacy sheet and the tissue in the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable personal waste disposalunit 10 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The wastedisposal unit 10 preferably includes a container 11 having a top surface12 with a removable cap 14 covering an opening 16. The height X of thecontainer 11 is approximately 1-5 inches. The height is preferably smallenough to allow the entire container 11 to fit under an automobile seat(not shown), with a height of between 1 and 3 inches being preferred.The container is of a length Y and width Z to allow a child or adult tosit or comfortably squat upon the container. Although the unit may takeany shape or size to allow the individual to deposit personal bodilywaste within the container, preferably the unit includes rounded cornersand has the general shape and dimensions of a conventional tissue box.

A novel feature of this container 11 is the top surface 12. FIG. 2 showsa front perspective view of the removable cap 14 removed from theopening 16 of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of thetop surface 12 with the removable cap 14 covering the opening 16. FIG. 4is a top plan view of the top surface 12 with the removable cap 14removed. The opening 16 is of sufficient size to allow the individual todeposit solid or liquid bodily wastes through the opening. The unit 10includes a hollow interior 20 of sufficient volume to hold a normalperson's bodily waste products in storage within the interior.Preferably, the container may include two different sizes, one containerhaving a one-liter capacity (i.e., for use by children) and a largercontainer having a liter and a half capacity for adults. The cap ispreferably oval shaped for covering the opening, which is alsopreferably oval-shaped. The oval shape provides for an ergonomicconfiguration allowing far easier use of the personal disposal unit 10,especial by women. The opening may include a raised perimeter 22, whichoperates to hold the cap in place. The bottom side of the cap (notshown) may include a perimeter indentation, which correspondingly fitswith the perimeter 22, thereby holding the cap in place. Such aconnection feature is widely used in capping a container. However, anycovering in any configuration, which allows the easy removal andreplacement of the cap over the opening, may be utilized.

The container 11 is preferably constructed of a material that allows anadult to sit upon the top surface of the unit without crushing thecontainer. The container may include a rigid or reinforced frame(constructed of metal or hard plastic) to allow the integrity of theunit to be maintained when the adult's weight is pressing against thetop surface 12. In addition, to prevent damage to a surface upon whichthe container is placed, the exterior surface is constructed of arubberized material. However, in alternate embodiments of the presentinvention, the container may be constructed of a hard plastic. Thecontainer may also be constructed from a biodegradable material. Inaddition, the container 11 may include pop-up handles residing on one ormore sides of the container. The handles, in a storage configuration,remain flush with the side of the container. However, when needed, thehandle may swing outwardly to allow the grasping of the handle.

In addition to the container 11, the personal waste disposal unit 10includes a privacy sheet 30 and a tissue 32. FIG. 5 is a frontperspective view of the personal waste disposal unit 10 illustrating theprivacy sheet and the tissue in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The privacy sheet is preferably a sheet of material largeenough to cover an individual using the container. The tissue 32 is asheet or sheets of tissue/toilet paper that is used during the processof eliminating bodily wastes. Both the privacy sheet and tissue may bestored in the interior of the container prior to use. After using thepersonal waste disposal unit 10, the sheet and tissue may also bedeposited in the interior of the container 11. The cap 14 is thenpositioned over the opening. At the earliest opportunity, the personalwaste disposal unit may be discarded. Alternatively, the contents of thecontainer 11 may be emptied and the entire unit cleaned. The unit maythen be reused.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the operation of the personal wastedisposal unit 10 will now be explained. Prior to use, the portablepersonal waste disposal unit 10 is stored in an unobtrusive location,such as under the seat of an automobile. The disposal unit is preferablyof a height X (approximately one to three inches), which permits thedisposal unit to easily fit under the seat. However, the disposal unitmay be stored anywhere, such in a trunk of a car, a glove compartment orany other suitable location. The disposal unit carries the privacy sheet30 and the tissue 32 within the interior 20. The removable cap 14 ispositioned upon the opening 16, thereby preventing the contents of thecontainer from falling out of the interior of the container.

When the portable personal waste disposal unit is needed, the disposalunit may be grasped by one or more handles, thereby removing thedisposal unit from a storage area. Next, the cap is removed from theopening. The privacy sheet 30 and the tissue 32 may then be removed fromthe interior 20 of the container 11. The individual using the portablepersonal waste disposal unit 10 may then sit, squat or stand over thecontainer. Specifically, for many individuals, sitting on the container(e.g., a female or those persons needing to defecate), is by far themore convenient method of using the container. However, others may findstanding over the container more convenient (e.g., a male urinating).The privacy cloth may then be positioned over the individual as he orshe is using the portable personal disposal unit. Thus, the individualmay complete the disposal process in a modest manner, without allowingothers to observe the process. After completing the necessary bodilyfunctions, the individual may use the tissue as necessary. The tissuemay then be optionally discarded, either into a trash container orwithin the interior of the container 11.

In addition, the privacy sheet 30 may be discarded in a trash container,stored for future use, or placed in the interior of the container 11.The cap is then placed over the opening 16. All the contents within theinterior 20 of the container are securely held within the confines ofthe container, thereby preventing the escape of the contents through theopening. The portable personal disposal unit 10 may then be stored, suchas under the automobile seat, or discarded as desired by the individual.In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the contents of thedisposal unit may be emptied in a trash container or toilet, cleaned bywashing out the interior and exterior of the container 11 and reused asdesired.

The present invention provides many advantages over existing portabletoilets. The present invention provides a convenient and easy way ofstoring a disposal toilet unit. The portable personal disposal unit 10provides for the carriage and storage of ancillary items, which may benecessary when urinating or defecating, such as the privacy sheet 30 andthe tissue 32. These ancillary items may be discarded after use, eitherinto a separate trash container, or within the interior of thecontainer. After using the portable personal disposal unit, theindividual may discard the portable personal disposal unit or store theportable personal disposal unit in an unobtrusive location. The portablepersonal disposal unit provides an inexpensive and convenient way ofdisposing of personal waste in awkward situations with minimalembarrassment to an individual.

While the present invention is described herein with reference toillustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those havingordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided hereinwill recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodimentswithin the scope thereof and additional fields in which the presentinvention would be of significant utility.

Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference toa particular embodiment for a particular application. Those havingordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings willrecognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments withinthe scope thereof.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and allsuch applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention.

1. A portable personal waste disposal unit, said disposal unitcomprising: a container having a top surface, the top surface having anopening leading to an interior portion within said container; and aremovable cap covering the opening; whereby an individual removes saidremovable cap, disposes of personal bodily waste through the opening andcovers the opening with said removable cap.
 2. The portable personalwaste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein the opening is oval in shape. 3.The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 2 wherein said cap isoval in shape.
 4. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1wherein said container includes at least one handle for grasping by theindividual.
 5. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1wherein said container is constructed of plastic.
 6. The portablepersonal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein an exterior surface ofsaid container is constructed of a rubber coating.
 7. The portablepersonal waste disposal unit of claim 1 further comprising a tissuestored within the interior portion of said container.
 8. The portablepersonal waste disposal unit of claim 1 further comprising a privacysheet for covering an individual using the portable personal wastedisposal unit, said private sheet being stored within the interior ofsaid container.
 9. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1further comprising: a privacy sheet for covering an individual using theportable personal waste disposal unit; and a tissue for use by theindividual; said privacy sheet and tissue being stored within theinterior of said container.
 10. The portable personal waste disposalunit of claim 1 wherein said container is constructed of a materialallowing the washing of said container and reuse of said container. 11.The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein saidcontainer is reinforced to hold the weight of a person sitting upon thetop surface of said container.
 12. The portable personal waste disposalunit of claim 1 wherein said container includes a height which allowsthe portable personal waste disposal unit to be stored under anautomobile seat.
 13. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim1 wherein the interior may hold between 1 and 2 liters of bodily wasteproduct.
 14. A portable personal waste disposal unit, said disposal unitcomprising: a container having a top surface, the top surface having anoval shaped opening leading to an interior portion within saidcontainer, said container being reinforced to support the weight of aperson using the portable personal waste disposal unit; a removable capcovering the opening; a privacy sheet for covering the person using theportable personal waste disposal unit; and a tissue sheet for use by theperson using the portable personal waste disposal unit; whereby a personremoves said removable cap, disposes of personal bodily waste throughthe opening and covers the opening with said removable cap.
 15. Theportable personal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein said containerincludes at least one handle for grasping and moving said container. 16.The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein anexterior surface of said container is a rubber coating.
 17. The portablepersonal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein said container includesa height which allows the portable personal waste disposal unit to bestored under an automobile seat.
 18. A container for use in disposing ofpersonal bodily waste, said container comprising: a reinforced framehaving a plurality of sides forming around an interior portion, theframe allowing the support of a person sitting upon the container; a topsurface having an opening leading to the interior portion; and aremovable cap covering the opening; whereby the cap is removed prior touse, bodily waste of the person is deposited into the interior portionthrough the opening, and the cap is affixed over the opening to securethe bodily waste within the interior.
 19. The container for use indisposing of personal bodily waste of claim 18 further comprising aprivacy sheet stored within the interior for covering the person whileusing the container.
 20. The container for use in disposing of personalbodily waste of claim 18 further comprising tissue stored within theinterior for use by the person using the container to dispose ofpersonal bodily waste.